“To be a patriot is to understand where we came from as a nation and to know what the principles and values of our forefathers were.”

— Rob Chestnut, Lawrence mayor

“To love their country and its people in all of the good they stand for.”

— Len Faulconer, Sons of the American Legion member, Lawrence

“A patriot is committed to the goals and institutions of the government and is willing to sacrifice for them as required.”

— Janet Lukeheart, dean’s assistant, Lawrence

“It means loving your country and with America especially the principles it was founded on — the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.”

— Ivan Cunningham, linguistics student, Lawrence

“You stand up for other people’s rights. Stand up for what is right, what is morally right and not being afraid to speak out.”

— Amar Gupta, psychology graduate student, Lenexa

“Somebody who is in the military because they are fighting for their country.”

— Ella Spillman, Deerfield School fifth-grader, Lawrence

“I feel it just means protecting my country, not only my country but the people who live here. I love living here, and I love the fact we have freedom.”

— Pvt. David Thibault, U.S. Army, Oskaloosa

“To be proud of your country and be proud of who you are.”

— Traci Dotson, Central Junior High eighth-grader, Lawrence

“To be proud to be a part of something you believe in.”

— Sarina Geist, barista, Lawrence